Calbee, a major Japanese snack manufacturer, is renewing its “Kyuen (Salt-Break) Snack” series—a line of snack foods made without any added salt. Starting February 23, 2026, products featuring the new packaging will be rolled out across Japan. This series achieves a balance between being “salt-free” and maintaining the “original deliciousness of the ingredients,” earning support not only from health-conscious consumers but also from gourmets who value the natural taste of ingredients.
“miino Broad Bean Plain”: Highlighting the Natural Sweetness of the Beans
“miino Broad Bean Plain” is a snack made by deep-frying whole broad beans (sora-mame, a healthy Japanese bean) without any coating. Its greatest feature is the powerful sweetness and umami of the broad beans, brought out without the use of any salt.
In this renewal, a new, large icon indicating “No Salt Added” has been placed in the center of the package. This allows consumers to identify it as a health-conscious product at a glance. Additionally, it features the “Locabo Plus” mark, which supports a low-carb lifestyle.
This product will be released early at convenience stores (Konbini) across Japan (such as Lawson, Seven-Eleven, and FamilyMart) starting Monday, February 23, 2026. For stores other than convenience stores, it is scheduled for a limited-quantity release starting Monday, March 16, 2026.
- Product Name: miino Broad Bean Plain
- Content Volume: 28g (approx. 0.99 oz)
- Price: Open price (Estimated price: around 180 yen including tax / approx. $1.20)
- Release Date: From February 23, 2026 (Mon.) at convenience stores first
- Scheduled End of Sale: Late April 2026
“Jagabee Plain”: Enjoying Potatoes in Their Natural State
From “Jagabee,” a popular series known for the crunchy texture of skin-on potato sticks, the salt-free “Plain” version is also being renewed. The potatoes, cut using a unique manufacturing process, offer a luxurious taste reminiscent of freshly fried fries.
The new packaging adopts a stylish vertical icon to emphasize that the product is “potatoes as they are.” Because there is no salt, you can directly enjoy the original flavor and richness of the potatoes. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the snack to your liking by sprinkling on your favorite spices or preparing a dipping sauce.
“Jagabee Plain” will be renewed and released nationwide starting the week of March 16, 2026 (Mon.). Unlike the broad bean version, this is not a limited-time offer but a standard product available year-round.
- Product Name: Jagabee Plain
- Content Volume: 38g (approx. 1.34 oz)
- Price: Open price (Estimated price: around 170 yen including tax / approx. $1.15)
- Release Date: Nationwide starting the week of March 16, 2026 (Mon.)
The Background of the Rising Interest in “Salt-Free” Products in Japan
The background behind Calbee strengthening this series is the increasing health consciousness of modern consumers. Many Japanese people consume more salt than the target intake levels recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization).
According to a survey by Calbee, it is estimated that approximately 45.22 million people in Japan between the ages of 20 and 79 are concerned about their salt intake. This means roughly one in two people is conscious of their salt consumption.
Since the birth of this series in February 2025, many positive comments have been received from users. Feedback such as, “I have to limit salt due to a chronic illness, but I can eat this with peace of mind,” and “Because it’s plain, I can really taste the ingredients, and it’s delicious,” shows that the series is highly valued for balancing health management with great taste.
Summary: A New Standard for Smart Snacking
This renewal has improved on-shelf visibility, making it easier for health-conscious consumers to choose these products. When you visit a Japanese convenience store (Konbini), be sure to check out this “Kyuen (Salt-Break) Snack” series.
Since “miino Broad Bean Plain” is only available for a limited time until late April, we recommend purchasing it early. Experience the “salt-free deliciousness” that makes the most of Japanese ingredients.
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